Back to Basics: Quinoa

Just a few years ago, no one could pronounce 'quinoa' correctly.  Now, it is a increasing staple in people's diets. For me, it's a perfect basic--quick and easy to make, but lots of great uses. I serve it as a side at dinner, I add it into my salad, I even turn it into a hot cereal.

Below is my basic recipe for quinoa, but there are lots of ways you can dress it up:

• Quickly sauté shallots, garlic, etc before adding in quinoa. 
• Add fresh herbs, toasted nuts, or dried fruit to your finished quinoa.
• Toss your quinoa in a light dressing of olive oil and lemon juice.

I'm eating my quinoa tomorrow in a salad with arugula, peaches, goat cheese, and balsamic vinegar. 

Quinoa Recipe:

1 cup dry quinoa

1 cup water

1 cup chicken broth

1.  Rinse quinoa off under cold water with a fine mesh strainer.

2. Add quinoa, water, and chicken broth in a saucepan.

3.  Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium.

4.  Simmer for 15 minutes.

5.  Drain quinoa (you can reuse your fine mesh strainer).

6.  Return quinoa to the hot pan, cover, and let it rest for 15 minutes.  

Perfect fluffy quinoa.